Rivernotes, Uncategorized
Rivernotes September 3, 2026
Phil Monahan
September 3, 2026
Editor's Note
by Phil Monahan
Welcome back to another edition of Rivernotes. I'm back in the editor's chair after a brief hiatus, and Rivernotes now returns to its weekly format through the end of October.
Across Eastern Canada, nights are getting cooler, leaves are beginning to change, and salmon are starting to move again. Here's to a strong finish to what has already been a much better angling season than the past couple of years!
Reminder: The row of buttons you see above will help you find exactly what you're looking for. Simply click a button and be whisked directly to the section you want to read first.
Nathan Wilbur on the So Fly Podcast
On the latest episode of the So Fly (opens in new tab)podcast, the guest is ASF President Nathan Wilbur, who talks about his own journey with Atlantic salmon, the state of the species, and the work that ASF does around Eastern Canada. Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Salmon Discovery Drives Opposition to Proposed Mine
Nick Hawkins's photos and videos have appeared in the Atlantic Salmon Journal and Rivernotes many times, but his latest images may be among his most effective. While snorkelling in New Brunswick's Nashwaak River, Hawkins captured what may be the first underwater images of Atlantic salmon in that watershed. Andrew Waugh, writing in the Telegraph-Journal, explains why these images have galvanised groups opposed to the proposed Sisson Mine:
"In a news release issued Tuesday, The Stop Sisson Mine Coalition(opens in new tab)—which includes the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, the National Farmers Union in New Brunswick, the Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc., and the Wolastoq Grand Council, among many others—showcased film and photos taken by Nick Hawkins last week. . . ."
"What Hawkins found proves that 'the Nashwaak is one of the last hopes for salmon recovery on the Wolastoq,' and that 'the Sisson mine poses a grave threat to this important salmon population,' the release read."
Don't Miss Our Final Giveaway of the Summer!
The final round of our giveaway series with Youghall Beach Co.(opens in new tab) is here, and it’s a big one!
The grand prize pack from YBC includes:
- Undertaker hoodie
- Undertaker hat
- One hand-tied Undertaker fly (authentication included!)
Visit ASF on on Facebook(opens in new tab) or Instagram(opens in new tab) for details. Entering the giveaway is free and easy, and the winner will be drawn on September 8. Good luck!
*YBC would like to thank the family of Warren Duncan for all of their support with this project.
Angling Reports
Northern Exposure
ASF Canada Director Rachel Baxter sent in a dispatch from northern Quebec:
We were fishing on the George River in Nunavik last week, and it occurred to us that there was little in Rivernotes from our northern rivers. So here is a nice photo of Peter Griffin releasing a fresh salmon a few days ago on the George. The conditions were good, water levels were high (at a good level of high), and the fishing was productive. As you can see, the George is a stunning river.
Fun on the Flowers
ASF President Nathan Wilbur shares stories and photos from a trip to Labrador:
The north is a special place, and last week I had the chance to explore the Flowers River in Labrador with fellow salmon enthusiasts, including a number of ASF directors and supporters. The trip was long-awaited by Ken and Gene Aretsky. Although Gene is an accomplished trout angler and instructor at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing, this was his first Atlantic salmon trip.
He tied on the hot fly of the week—a Blue Smurf dry fly—and managed to interest, hook, and land his very first Atlantic salmon. It was a moment he was fortunate to share with his dad, Ken, a seasoned salmon angler and storyteller extraordinaire who was over the moon with the whole experience.
Throughout the week, we experienced a weather change every 15 minutes—from rain, to wind, to sun, cold, warm—and a thunderstorm and rainbow to cap off the last evening. We were amazed and heartened to see such a great run of salmon in the river, including bright fish still streaming in, but generating interest in our flies was another story. It was a classic case of late-season lockjaw!
What I love about visiting the north is that it’s a real life example of what is possible for salmon abundance and healthy rivers, and a reminder of what our goal is for rivers farther south. Here are some images from the adventure:
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Program Director Kim Thompson shares what's left of the season for anglers and details a mapping project in the Terra Nova watershed.
There is still time for anglers to enjoy Labrador's rivers, with the salmon-angling season remaining open until September 15. In Newfoundland, however, the countdown is on, with just days before the season closes on September 7.
Angling reports vary across the province. On the Lower Humber River, anglers continue to report sightings of large salmon, while action on Harry's River is very slow. According to Gander Bay Indian Band Chief Calvin Francis, the Gander River experienced consistently high water throughout the season. While these conditions were beneficial for salmon populations, providing much-needed relief after a couple of challenging years, they presented difficulties for anglers. Read more about Calvin’s observations in the CBC article, "The Gander River regains its roar following two dry seasons(opens in new tab)."
Anglers are reminded that fall catch-and-release salmon angling is permitted on the Lower Humber River, Gander River, and Lower Exploits River from September 8 to October 7. Retention of salmon is not permitted, and there is a daily catch-and-release limit of three salmon. Please refer to the Anglers' Guide 2026-2027(opens in new tab) for more detailed information.
Mapping the Terra Nova Watershed
It’s another busy field season for the Freshwater Alexander Bay Ecosystem Corporation (FABEC) as the organization continues its work through the Wild Salmon Watershed Terra Nova River Project. I was pleased to join the team last week during their efforts to map Maccles Lake, an important component of the Terra Nova watershed.
To support this work, FABEC enlisted the expertise of longtime Maccles Lake cabin owners Gilbert and Pauline Tulk, whose extensive local knowledge of the area proved invaluable. Their familiarity with the lake and surrounding landscape helped contribute valuable insights as the mapping project advances.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Program Director David Roth describes drone-mapping work on the Nepisiguit River, as well as an early-morning fishing session that exceeded expectations.
The highlight of the past week was joining ASF’s Wild Salmon Watersheds(opens in new tab) team, Kris Hunter and Jordan Condon, for part of their field work on the Nepisiguit River. It was also a great opportunity to meet with our local partners from the Nepisiguit Salmon Association(opens in new tab) (NSA) and Pabineau First Nation(opens in new tab) to recap the work completed so far this season, discuss what remains to be done over the coming months, and begin looking ahead to some of the larger project priorities for 2027.
During the meeting, Kris and Jordan presented some initial drone footage they had collected over the previous days. One focus of the survey, besides collecting thermal imagery, was identifying the locations and numbers of beaver dams on major tributaries throughout the watershed. Combined with the habitat surveys completed on the ground, this information will be extremely valuable when deciding whether some of these dams may be worth temporarily notching later in the fall. Where appropriate, this could improve passage during the spawning season and allow Atlantic salmon to access additional suitable spawning habitat.
One morning before work, with the air temperature down to a refreshing 10°C, David made use of his guiding licence and took (PEI) Islander Jordan for a short fishing session before the workday began. Thanks to some inside information from NSA member Alex Trenholm, Jordan was able to land his first Nepisiguit River grilse shortly after the sun made its first appearance over the tree line. On the second pass through the pool, David was fortunate enough to connect with another grilse.
The outing was a great reminder that, when conditions line up and the fish are in the right mood, even a very short early-morning session can be incredibly rewarding. We could not have asked for a much better beginning to a day on one of New Brunswick’s most beautiful rivers.
Maine
ASF US offers an update on some exciting new technology.
This week, Piscataquis River Project Manager Jon Viti collected the first thermal imagery with a drone purchased earlier this year by ASF's US office. With the help of ASF’s VP of US Conservation Programs, John Burrows, and a volunteer from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the crew had a successful mission on the Carrabassett River in northern Maine. ASF will look to fly over more streams and rivers across the state to identify areas of cold water and gain up-to-date imagery of these habitats. This will inform future management of these rivers and streams and will help ASF prioritize restoration work to increase access to cold water for salmon.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Program Director Matt Russell hands this week's update over to Brent Locke of the North Shore River Restoration Association(opens in new tab), who describes important work on the Waughs River fish ladder. Plus details of an upcoming ARA benefit dinner.
This week marks the opening of salmon season on the Mainland Nova Scotia Gulf Coast. While we are likely still weeks away from seeing any big pushes of fish up our rivers, excitement is in the air and signs of fall are beginning to show, with forecasts calling for cooler temperatures and September showers.
With the mainland season opening up, it’s a good time to showcase one of the groups on our mainland making a difference and working to conserve the rivers we all love. This week we are featuring a submission from Brent Locke, Executive Director of the North Shore River Restoration Association(opens in new tab).
“For the past number of years, the North Shore River Restoration Association (NSRRA) has had a formal agreement with DFO to maintain and monitor the fish ladder on the Waughs River, in Colchester County, Nova Scotia. The Waughs River is located on Nova Scotia's Gulf Shore and is one of a few mainland rivers open to recreational salmon angling."
"Every year, the NSRRA is responsible for regular maintenance and monitoring of the fish ladder. Activities include connectivity remediation by removing debris from the inflow, outflow and span; general maintenance; and monitoring of the structure. The removal of debris happens throughout the year, most often in the early spring and after high flows due to weather events. Ensuring proper fish passage to the 62 square kilometres of prime Atlantic salmon spawning habitat above the fish ladder is crucial."
"Over the years, the outflow safety railing and span grating have seen significant damage caused by large woody debris flowing down the river during high water. This happens primarily in the spring. The NSRRA is excited to announce that, through a partnership with DFO, we will be replacing the existing damaged railing and grating system with a new, expanded railing system that can easily be removed and replaced prior to and after any significant weather event, preventing damage to the railing and ladder structure. We are looking forward to completing the installation in the coming weeks."
"Established in 1999, the North Shore River Restoration Association (NSRRA), is a conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of freshwater aquatic species, and their habitat. Our conservation efforts and activities encompass four watersheds with a combined area of 1584 square kilometres. To inquire about how you can help and become a member, please do not hesitate to reach out by contacting us at northcolchesterrivers@gmail.com."
ARA Dinner and Auction
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Antigonish Rivers Association(opens in new tab) on Saturday, October 17, on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University, where ARA will host a dinner and benefit auction to support conservation work in the local area.
The dinner features silent and live auctions, plus raffles. From 5:30 until 7 p.m., Bob MacDonald—a world-class fly tier—will host a Fly Tying Conclave featuring renowned local tiers. The Conclave is free to the public.
To purchase tickets or to obtain more information please contact Dinner Coordinator Kristy Doughty (902-735-2913/ kjddoughty@proton.me) or ARA Watershed Co-ordinator Allison White (902-318-0266/ allisonwhite.ara@gmail.com).
Prince Edward Island
Kris Hunter—who serves as both Regional Director of Wild Salmon Watersheds and Program Director for Prince Edward Island—details several collaborations with ASF conservation partners.
ASF has partnered with Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation(opens in new tab) (SAB) for years. In recent years, we have done some benthic invertebrate work together and have been working with the Canadian Wildlife Federation to identify and prioritize fish passage issues as part of CWF’s Watershed Connectivity Restoration Program. Benthic invertebrate work involves looking at which insects live on the bottom of the stream, which is important because in rivers these bugs are key to unlocking energy for the entire food web.
We collaborated on a Headwaters project a few years ago, have conducted numerous culvert assessments, and last year, we did some bathymetry work—mapping the depths and bottom—on Larkins Pond. This helps us find thermoclines (boundary layers between warm and cool water), identify habitat, and calculate some important metrics that affect discharge and flow in the rivers.
A few weeks ago, I got to continue this work by looking for freshwater mussels. These mussels have a unique life history that is symbiotic with salmonids, so understanding mussels helps us determine where important habitat is and how it has changed through time. Darren Greeley, field manager for SAB, whose Master’s was on freshwater mussels, explains the project:
"Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (SAB), with a little help from ASF, have conducted an exploratory snorkelling survey looking to establish the presence of a rare species of freshwater mussel at Larkins Pond in Naufrage, PEI. Alewife floater (Anodonta implicata) shells were recently located at Larkins Pond, marking the first detection of this species in SAB's management area. The primary goal of this survey was to locate, tag, and swab live Alewife floaters so that their presence can be formally confirmed via DNA. Observations and habitat characteristics noted during the work will help inform future freshwater-mussel surveys planned by SAB in the Naufrage River system."
Québec
La directrice des programmes du Québec, Caroline Côté, présente des nouvelles de partout dans la province, du Grand Nord à la Gaspésie.
Des nouvelles de la rivière George
Tout au nord, sur la rivière George au Nunavik, la saison a commencé un peu plus tard qu’à l’habitude. Mais selon Amanda Kat, du Wedge Hills Lodge(opens in new tab), l’attente en valait la peine.
Avant l’arrivée des premiers pêcheurs, les guides ont parcouru leur secteur de plus de 40 kilomètres pour retrouver la rivière et repérer les saumons. « C’est finalement lors de la dernière journée de formation », raconte Amanda, que le guide en chef David Merkuratsuk a capturé le premier saumon atlantique de leur saison, le 5 août.
Trois semaines plus tard, 92 saumons avaient été capturés. Amanda souligne surtout une rivière bien différente des dernières années : les niveaux d’eau sont beaucoup plus élevés et les saumons peuvent circuler facilement dans le réseau. Selon les guides, les poissons commencent maintenant à s’installer dans les fosses alors que la saison se poursuit.
Une meilleure saison sur la Rivière aux Rochers
Sur la Côte-Nord, la saison 2026 apporte aussi des nouvelles encourageantes à la Rivière aux Rochers. Selon Sonie Poulin, directrice générale de l’Association de protection de la rivière aux Rochers (APRR), 216 saumons ont été dénombrés cette année, comparativement à 141 en 2025. La rivière demeure toutefois bien en deçà des quelque 700 saumons observés lors de meilleures années.
Elle note également une différence dans la composition de la montaison : davantage de madeleineaux cette année, avec toujours de grands saumons présents.
Autre observation intéressante : le bar rayé est arrivé beaucoup plus tard dans le secteur. Après une forte présence en 2025, Sonie rapporte en avoir observé beaucoup moins cette année, avec une apparition seulement vers la mi-août, plutôt que dès juin.
Août sur le terrain en Gaspésie
En août, Kris Hunter, directeur du programme de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard et responsable de Wild Salmon Watersheds à la FSA, et Caroline Côté, directrice du programme Québec, ont rencontré des partenaires à Gaspé, Grande-Rivière et Cascapédia afin de voir leurs projets et leurs priorités directement sur le terrain.
Les visites ont permis de documenter des fosses et des tributaires, d’évaluer des apports d’eau et différents habitats, d’observer les saumons et de recueillir des images et des données par drone. Elles ont aussi permis d’échanger directement avec les gestionnaires, guides et équipes locales qui travaillent quotidiennement sur ces rivières.
Québec (English)
Québec Program Director Caroline Côté offers updates from across the province—from the far north to the Gaspé.
News from the George River
In the far north, on Nunavik’s George River, the season started a little later than usual. But according to Amanda Kat of Wedge Hills Lodge(opens in new tab), it was worth the wait.
Before the first anglers arrived, the guide team travelled through more than 40 kilometres of their river sector, reconnecting with the George and scouting for salmon. Finally, on August 5, the last day of training, Amanda recalls, head guide David Merkuratsuk caught the first Atlantic salmon of the season.
Three weeks later, 92 salmon had been landed. What stands out to Amanda is how different the river looks this year: water levels are much higher than in recent seasons, allowing salmon to move easily through the system. From the guides’ perspective, the fish are only now beginning to settle into the pools as the season continues.
A Better Season on Rivière aux Rochers
On Québec’s North Shore, the 2026 season is also bringing some encouraging news from Rivière aux Rochers. According to Sonie Poulin, Executive Director of the Association de protection de la rivière aux Rochers (APRR), 216 salmon have been counted this year, compared with 141 in 2025. This remains well below the roughly 700 salmon observed in stronger years, however.
She also notes a different composition in this year’s run: though large salmon are present, there are more grilse.
Another interesting observation is that striped bass arrived much later. After a strong striped-bass presence in 2025, Sonie reports seeing far fewer this year, with the first bass appearing only around mid-August rather than as early as June.
August in the Field in Gaspésie
In August, ASF Prince Edward Island Program Director and Regional Director for Wild Salmon Watersheds Kris Hunter and I met with partners in Gaspé, Grande-Rivière, and Cascapédia to see their projects and priorities firsthand.
The visits included documenting pools and tributaries, assessing water inputs and habitat conditions, observing salmon, and collecting drone imagery and field data. They also provided time on the river with the managers, guides, and local teams who work on these waters every day.
Research and Environment
ASF's research team describes an expedition to the Grey River to do genetic sampling and measure the effects of nearby salmon-farming operations.
Our crew spent August 17 to 21 on the Grey River, on the South Coast of Newfoundland. The Grey River, Salmon Brook, and Dollan Brook sit close enough to aquaculture operations that escaped farmed salmon have had decades to spawn alongside wild fish. Our goal is to measure the effect of that contact on the gene pool of the wild fish—whether it's accelerating, holding, or fading as salmon-farm management tightens—as well as how widespread the problem is across the South Coast.
Introgressive hybridization—in which the genes of farmed salmon mix with the genes of wild salmon—is one piece of a bigger risk. Open net pens share water with wild fish, carrying sea lice and pathogens that wild populations never evolved to handle. Farmed salmon are bred for growth, not for surviving a river that floods, freezes, and runs low on oxygen in August. Mixing in farmed genes dilutes the traits that let salmon persist here: migration timing, disease resistance, local adaptation, and more.
The team collected 206 samples, now headed for analysis, from 7 sites across the three rivers. Check out the slide show below.
More to come as results come in. Thanks to Clarence and Stanley Young, and to Irene, Naomi, and Rob Steele for hosting us at Grey River Lodge(opens in new tab).
Upcoming ASF Events
Get Ready for the Big Apple
The 44th Annual New York Gala will be held on November 11 at the majestic American Museum of Natural History. This is ASF’s biggest event, and this year we’re celebrating Alex Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises, for his leadership in driving meaningful change and lasting impact for Atlantic salmon conservation. We'll also present Yvon Chouinard—Patagonia founder, rock climber, and environmentalist—with ASF's 2026 Lee Wulff Award, given annually to an individual who has made outstanding long-term contributions to aid Atlantic salmon conservation.
Our annual NYC event is always an inspiring congregation of passionate conservationists and anglers. Join us for an unforgettable evening for rivers and oceans, the people who protect them, and the salmon that unite us all.
